No Pain Dentistry: Select the Right Patient Chair to Save Your Back

“Repetitive strain injuries are on the rise in dentistry. Many dentists/dental hygienists have been diagnosed with an MSD, and a majority have experienced some type of musculoskeletal pain in their shoulders and neck, hands and wrists, low back, or forearms and elbows.”Colin Graham, Employer Ergonomic Services

A patient is in your chair for a brief time. You and your assistants are bent over the patient chair for hours every day. The patient goes home with no pain while yours grows with every movement you make because of the stress and strain on your body. It may be time to select a more ergonomic patient chair … for you, not your patients.

The patient’s comfort is an important aspect of their experience. However, you and your technicians must have easy access to the patient’s head without straining.

How to Select the Right Patient Chair and Dental Stool

The patient chair you choose can make a big difference to your body.

Make sure the patient chair, dentist’s stool, and delivery system align with the height of the dentist.

The height and backrest of the patient chair should remain neutral during procedures.

The patient chair should be lowered and reclined so the dentist can move freely without striking knees or thighs.

A small, thin headrest and narrow upper backrest allow the dentist to maintain a neutral posture and remain close to the patient.

All seating in the operatory must align with the dentist’s stature to prevent injury. A patient chair with adequate swivel rotation and lift allows you to get close to the patient’s head while maintaining good posture. Your knees are free to move without striking the chair frame.

Durable Design

A quality patient chair is set on a hydraulic cantilever system and is made of a heavy-duty cast iron body. Weight is reduced with an aluminum cast chair back, base, armrest, and headrest. The back is wide, narrowing to the articulated headrest for access to the patient. The headrest is double-articulating that easily adjusts to the patient’s head. Armrests flip down so the patient can easily enter and exit the chair.

The CORE chair has a 30-degree arc of swivel, 15 degrees to the left and right of center. Control is through foot control or touch-pad, with programmable preset positions. Upholstery is a comfortable, easily cleaned material, such as Naugahyde, in a relaxing color to complement your operatory.

The patient chair is the foundation, if you will, of comfort for your patients. However, the chair must fit you too so your practice continues to thrive.

If you are interested in learning more about the CORE chair please visit www.dentalez.com/CORE, where you can view a video, download literature and schedule a CORE™ demo.